Neuropathy... or something else?

Question

Hi (and thanks for your time!)

I have a combination of symptoms that I refer to as 'neuropathy' - but is it really? My small-town doc doesn't have a clue. I have a constant throbbing pain in both legs - but it is NOT the "burning" or "tingling" sensation that most people mention. It is not on the surface, but feels deeper - like in the muscle or the bones. My legs (feet especially) are noticeably warm to the touch. The pain is usually more noticeable at rest, and does not increase with pressure. Is this neuropathy - or something else?

I stopped all HIV meds 3 weeks ago (was on Ziagen, D4T and 3TC). Now on acyclovir, welbutrin and a multivitamin. CD4's are around 170 and viral load is around 10,000.

Should I be calling this neuropathy, or is it indicative of something else?

Thanks again for your time and opinion!

Answer

Peripheral neuropathy can also present as deep-seated throbbing pain. That, together with the numbness and tingling in your fingertips, indicates to me that you have peripheral neuropathy. There are a number of approaches that can make you more comfortable: first, stopping any medications that can make the situation worse, such as d4T or ddI as you have done; then, using a tricyclic antidepressant like amitriptyline or nortriptyline (which are good for chronic pain) at bedtime; adding the drug gabapentin once a maximum dose of the tricyclic has been reached if the symptoms persist; and using narcotics if regular pain medicines don't help. My personal system is to try these things in the order I just listed them. You can help your doctor out by showing him this message and by printing other web-based materials for him on diagnosing and treating neuropathy. Good luck!

You should know: The answer above provides general health information that is not intended to replace medical advice or treatment recommendations from a qualified health care professional.